... That was convincing.
I'll do my best to answer any questions.
What made you buy them vs. other options in their price range?
FiiO FH5 - Quad Driver Hybrid In-Ear Monitors || Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers
- Thread starter FiiO
- Start date
What made you buy them vs. other options in their price range?
BRSxIgnition
Headphoneus Supremus
Overall combination of factors, really. The build combined with the sound combined with the look. I couldn't find any options in my price range that really matched what I was looking for soundwise while also being even close to this in terms of build quality.
The Oriveti New Primacy came close but it sacrificed a bit much for me in terms of build and cable and accessories for me to choose it, even though its sound was enjoyable.
These aren't as open in terms of stage, but the increase in build and finish easily balances out that concession, for me at least.
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Koaunghi Un
New Head-Fier
Here is My review of FiiO FH5
Unboxing
This is what I've received. The FiiO FH5 units, 4 kinds of ear tips, and earphone case. Under the left (blue) and right (red) unit, there is a pair of "balanced" ear tips. If you rush out the units, the ear tips could remain hidden in the hole.
Authenticity Check
First of all, it's highly recommended to make an authenticity check. There is a small sticker on the side of the outer packaging. It looks as follows:
Scrape the area off where "FiiO Scratch query" is written, then the 20 digits of authenticity number appear . As instructed on the sticker, open http://www.fiio.net. At the right most side of banner bar, click "Check Authenticity".
Write down the 20-digit authenticity number in the pop-up window. If things goes well, FiiO welcomes you.
Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test
I have no measuring instrument for sound devices, so I tested FiiO FH5 from the following web site: https://www.audiocheck.net/soundtests_headphones.php
Frequency Response
Frequency Response: 10 Hz ~ 12 kHz
This test consists of two files. One for bass (from 10 Hz to 200 Hz), the other for treble (from 22 kHz to 8 kHz). I could hear the lowest bass frequency of 10 Hz and highest treble frequency of 12 kHz.
Sony's XBA-Z5 responds between 20 Hz ~ 12 kHz and KZ-ZS6 between 10 Hz and 13 kHz. 10 Hz response of FH5 is louder than that of ZS6. It appears that the 2 DD of KZ-ZS6 are affecting the lowest frequency response of 10 Hz, whereas FH5 is tuned to give a strong bass.
Spectral Flatness and Earbud Insert Test
Flatness: see the measured graph below
It's hard to judge the flatness with human ears. The test sound is modified to be heard as perceptually flat, so it is ok when the sweep keeps paying at the hearing thresholds. I personally feel clearly V-shaped.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range: 66 dbFS
This test is to find out the loudest (full scale level) and the quietest (some decibels below full scale) signal. Full scale sweep is followed by voice in successive 6 decibels below full scale in each step. I could hear the voice of 66 dbFS. Both KZ ZS6 and Sony XBA-Z5 produce hearable voice at 66 dbFS (on my ears). FH5 with "vocal" or "bass" ear tips goes a step deeper (72 dbFS).
Quality
Quality: rattle at low half of bass
The lower half bass sound rattle much in contrast of other earphones. I think this is due to the high bass sound pressure.
Driver Matching
Driver Matching: rattle at bass & at some points of treble, but not one piece alone
This test is whether the left and the right drivers respond equally to every frequency (test tones are centered). This test is easy to perceive but difficult to locate the exact frequency where the left-right discrepancy occurs. I hear three points where the sweep moves to the right side. The first frequency could be in the near of 5 kHz (cf. the above FR graph). As my highest frequency to hear is 11 kHz, this should be the third discrepancy. The second one should lie in-between. Other earphones are more or less the same. It may be due to resonance.
Wiring
Wiring: good
I think all earphones can pass this test easily. Proper wiring should provide proper routing of left and right channel. For the testing of the proper polarity of the wiring, the sound of "Center" test file should play in the center position and the sound of "Twisted" sound file in the spotless position. In case of improper polarity, the situation is the opposite.
Binaural Test
Binaural: real
In this test, one hears knocking sound on wooden doors. Does the sound real in front of each ear? Then the test is passed.
Ultimately, listen to your favorite music…
Music: good
Somewhat too short music excerpt.
All tests were made with FiiO Alpen E17, which was connected to the desktop computer via optical cable in order to play 24 bit & 192 kHz sound. All test results can differ easily from yours, because my hearing capability could be poor or defect.
About sound color
In the package there are three kinds of ear tips. 3 "balanced" (S L M with the head unit), 3 foam tips (all M), 3 "vocal" (S M L), 3 "bass" (S M L). I tried foam tip at first. The sound are dark. The "bass" silicone ear tips produce also dark sound. The "vocal" silicone ear tips shows me a brighter tone. The "balanced" one shows me brightest tone.
If you hear "Albéniz : Frühbeck De Burgos, New Philharmonia – Suite Española" (orchestral performance), especially Castilla and Asturias, there are lots of brass wind sounds in loud tone and high pitch, which causes easily a tearing sound. XBA-Z5 gently cleanses such sound. FH5's performance is less than XBA-Z5, but it gives still an enjoyable sound. Others like KZ-ZS6 play somewhat unpleasant sound. FH5 with the "balanced" ear tips produces little amount of sibilant.
FH5 is bass oriented, tends to sound dark. With proper ear tips a desirable sound color could be achieved.
Fitting
FH5 fits in my ears very comfortably. Spin-fit provides also comfortable fitting, more sound shield, and bright sound.
Focux
1000+ Head-Fier
Here is My review of FiiO FH5
Unboxing
This is what I've received. The FiiO FH5 units, 4 kinds of ear tips, and earphone case. Under the left (blue) and right (red) unit, there is a pair of "balanced" ear tips. If you rush out the units, the ear tips could remain hidden in the hole.
Authenticity Check
First of all, it's highly recommended to make an authenticity check. There is a small sticker on the side of the outer packaging. It looks as follows:
Scrape the area off where "FiiO Scratch query" is written, then the 20 digits of authenticity number appear . As instructed on the sticker, open http://www.fiio.net. At the right most side of banner bar, click "Check Authenticity".
Write down the 20-digit authenticity number in the pop-up window. If things goes well, FiiO welcomes you.
Headphones and Earphones Benchmarking Test
I have no measuring instrument for sound devices, so I tested FiiO FH5 from the following web site: https://www.audiocheck.net/soundtests_headphones.php
Frequency Response
Frequency Response: 10 Hz ~ 12 kHz
This test consists of two files. One for bass (from 10 Hz to 200 Hz), the other for treble (from 22 kHz to 8 kHz). I could hear the lowest bass frequency of 10 Hz and highest treble frequency of 12 kHz.
Sony's XBA-Z5 responds between 20 Hz ~ 12 kHz and KZ-ZS6 between 10 Hz and 13 kHz. 10 Hz response of FH5 is louder than that of ZS6. It appears that the 2 DD of KZ-ZS6 are affecting the lowest frequency response of 10 Hz, whereas FH5 is tuned to give a strong bass.
Spectral Flatness and Earbud Insert Test
Flatness: see the measured graph below
It's hard to judge the flatness with human ears. The test sound is modified to be heard as perceptually flat, so it is ok when the sweep keeps paying at the hearing thresholds. I personally feel clearly V-shaped.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range: 66 dbFS
This test is to find out the loudest (full scale level) and the quietest (some decibels below full scale) signal. Full scale sweep is followed by voice in successive 6 decibels below full scale in each step. I could hear the voice of 66 dbFS. Both KZ ZS6 and Sony XBA-Z5 produce hearable voice at 66 dbFS (on my ears). FH5 with "vocal" or "bass" ear tips goes a step deeper (72 dbFS).
Quality
Quality: rattle at low half of bass
The lower half bass sound rattle much in contrast of other earphones. I think this is due to the high bass sound pressure.
Driver Matching
Driver Matching: rattle at bass & at some points of treble, but not one piece alone
This test is whether the left and the right drivers respond equally to every frequency (test tones are centered). This test is easy to perceive but difficult to locate the exact frequency where the left-right discrepancy occurs. I hear three points where the sweep moves to the right side. The first frequency could be in the near of 5 kHz (cf. the above FR graph). As my highest frequency to hear is 11 kHz, this should be the third discrepancy. The second one should lie in-between. Other earphones are more or less the same. It may be due to resonance.
Wiring
Wiring: good
I think all earphones can pass this test easily. Proper wiring should provide proper routing of left and right channel. For the testing of the proper polarity of the wiring, the sound of "Center" test file should play in the center position and the sound of "Twisted" sound file in the spotless position. In case of improper polarity, the situation is the opposite.
Binaural Test
Binaural: real
In this test, one hears knocking sound on wooden doors. Does the sound real in front of each ear? Then the test is passed.
Ultimately, listen to your favorite music…
Music: good
Somewhat too short music excerpt.
All tests were made with FiiO Alpen E17, which was connected to the desktop computer via optical cable in order to play 24 bit & 192 kHz sound. All test results can differ easily from yours, because my hearing capability could be poor or defect.
About sound color
In the package there are three kinds of ear tips. 3 "balanced" (S L M with the head unit), 3 foam tips (all M), 3 "vocal" (S M L), 3 "bass" (S M L). I tried foam tip at first. The sound are dark. The "bass" silicone ear tips produce also dark sound. The "vocal" silicone ear tips shows me a brighter tone. The "balanced" one shows me brightest tone.
If you hear "Albéniz : Frühbeck De Burgos, New Philharmonia – Suite Española" (orchestral performance), especially Castilla and Asturias, there are lots of brass wind sounds in loud tone and high pitch, which causes easily a tearing sound. XBA-Z5 gently cleanses such sound. FH5's performance is less than XBA-Z5, but it gives still an enjoyable sound. Others like KZ-ZS6 play somewhat unpleasant sound. FH5 with the "balanced" ear tips produces little amount of sibilant.
FH5 is bass oriented, tends to sound dark. With proper ear tips a desirable sound color could be achieved.
Fitting
FH5 fits in my ears very comfortably. Spin-fit provides also comfortable fitting, more sound shield, and bright sound.
Dark signature? That’s new
Could be dark... subjectively. What are you comparing it to that you feel that the FH5 is dark @Koaunghi Un ? ?
Koaunghi Un
New Head-Fier
I think, it is normal for a bass oriented earphone to have a darker tone.
Koaunghi Un
New Head-Fier
AKG Q701 has warm and bright tone. Sennheiser HD600 is also a bright colored headphone. XBA-Z5 consists of 1 DD + 2 BAs. It's tone is not as bright as Q701 but not dark. XBA-3 consists of only 3 BAs but is not dark as FH5. I have also TDK ie-800, Etymotic ER4S, and so on. Their tone is not dark. The tone of Apple earpod is dark. FH5's tone is not as dark as earpod though, but I wish it would be more bright.
As you implied, it's my feeling. Others would feel differently.
BRSxIgnition
Headphoneus Supremus
I can see how compared to other headphones it would be dark, but overall I don't think calling it that does it justice. It's definitely got bass and punch, but never really feels dim or muddled like the work dark entails? My opinion, of course.
mhoopes
100+ Head-Fier
I have yet to achieve a comfortable seal with the FH5. They have relatively wide nozzles (I measured 5.88 mm minor diameter, and 6.54 mm lip diameter) like the FH1, but with shallower insertion depth. The closest I could get to a semblance of a seal from the included materials was with the large bass tips, but I could fiddle with the earphones and feel the bass going in and out. Their resting position was obviously leaking. 3 pairs of one size foam tips wasn't helpful, either.
I suspect I have a situation similar to Brooko’s, who said he wasn’t able to get a seal with any of the included tips, but was successful with MandarinEs Symbio W (wide bore). I ordered some (SSM), but I think they’re going to take a while to make their way to California.
I usually use Comply medium tips. I was able to wrangle Comply Ts-500 medium on the FH1 and FH5, and they sealed very well, but they caused me some lasting canal pain, so back in the drawer they went. I also tried the smart core Comply tips, but they still ended up being too large for me.
What series Comply tips will maintain their proper outer diameter with the FH5?
[EDIT: DIY solution in this post: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fii...-in-ear-monitors.882444/page-41#post-14391400]
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expatriot
100+ Head-Fier
definitely not dark to me and not bass focused. I find it mid focused with a slightly bright sound. Please keep in mind my ears are 70 years old.
Copland62
100+ Head-Fier
Hey james
it would not have been better if the excellent cable supplied was 2.5mm balanced + BL35 ?
BRSxIgnition
Headphoneus Supremus
It sucks that the deal only let's you get $30 off an order of $200 or more - I was hoping of using that discount for a Bluetooth cable for these.
Tried the FH5 today paired with my Cayin N5ii and stock tips at a local retailer:
Just wasn’t for me. It sounded very clean and had nice separation but a bit cold and something was missing. On the positive side, I really liked the cable and the fit (super premium and comfortable). I can see this being a good fit for someone for their first or second earphone in their collection. Very versatile and can cover a lot of genres well. Agreed that it’s mid-focused. I just already have the Andromeda for that which is actually praise for the FH5. My girlfriend really liked it when she demo’d it (hence my point about first or second earphone in the collection). My vote goes to the E5000 personally for me due to my circumstances. I need the warmth and sweetness of the vocals.
Still, verdict: steal for the price for $260. I would recommend.
Just wasn’t for me. It sounded very clean and had nice separation but a bit cold and something was missing. On the positive side, I really liked the cable and the fit (super premium and comfortable). I can see this being a good fit for someone for their first or second earphone in their collection. Very versatile and can cover a lot of genres well. Agreed that it’s mid-focused. I just already have the Andromeda for that which is actually praise for the FH5. My girlfriend really liked it when she demo’d it (hence my point about first or second earphone in the collection). My vote goes to the E5000 personally for me due to my circumstances. I need the warmth and sweetness of the vocals.
Still, verdict: steal for the price for $260. I would recommend.
Any comparisons between the FH5 and the iBasso IT04's yet?
Dsnuts
Headphoneus Supremus
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I wrote this on the IT04 thread. I have both. The FH5 has good, balanced tuning but is a more forward sounding earphone vs the IT04. Vocals are highlighted a bit more so on the FH5. Some might like this but this is due to a slight peak in the 2khz range. Otherwise sound balancing is actualy done well on them. Treble has a slight dryness to it and is tuned well so not to cause any stridancy or fatigue. But it lacks a bit of sparkle in being a bit conservative. Treble is not as extended defined or as smooth/ sweet or silky like the IT04 treble. Mids do sound a bit more forward on them but it was purposfully done to highlight vocals. Layering of the mids is done well but lacks the imaging and precision the IT04 provides. Again resolution is not on par with the IT04 here.
Bass ends both are done well but the IT04 bass end is tighter is better textured and reaches the lowest of lows easier than the FH5. FH5 sub bass is a bit softer, boomier sounding and not as textured or as tight. Mid bass is a bit less than the sub bass on the FH5. Both have good impact in the bass region but neither are overly bass emphasized, both take a more balanced approach to tuning.
FH5 does isolate better than the IT04 but not by a big margin. It is a heavier earphone due to having alloy shells. Ergonomics and fit is a wash as both are supremely comfortable for me.
Stageing of the IT04 wins here as the FH5 gives off mid wide sound. The IT04 does have a wider stage and it is the definition of each of the sound regions that really separates the IT04 from the FH5. Depth wise I feel the IT04 has better depth the FH5 being a fuller sounding earphone can seem a bit up front for some recordings. No such issue with the IT04. Again much more natural sounding as a result.
I do enjoy both earphones but the IT04 is a special earphone, the FH5 is good for the price, very competitive at their price point. However It is the refinements in the IT04 that makes them special combined with that wide sound stage add one of the best balancing I have heard on any earphone and you get what clearly separates the IT04 from an otherwise good for the price performing FH5.
Bass ends both are done well but the IT04 bass end is tighter is better textured and reaches the lowest of lows easier than the FH5. FH5 sub bass is a bit softer, boomier sounding and not as textured or as tight. Mid bass is a bit less than the sub bass on the FH5. Both have good impact in the bass region but neither are overly bass emphasized, both take a more balanced approach to tuning.
FH5 does isolate better than the IT04 but not by a big margin. It is a heavier earphone due to having alloy shells. Ergonomics and fit is a wash as both are supremely comfortable for me.
Stageing of the IT04 wins here as the FH5 gives off mid wide sound. The IT04 does have a wider stage and it is the definition of each of the sound regions that really separates the IT04 from the FH5. Depth wise I feel the IT04 has better depth the FH5 being a fuller sounding earphone can seem a bit up front for some recordings. No such issue with the IT04. Again much more natural sounding as a result.
I do enjoy both earphones but the IT04 is a special earphone, the FH5 is good for the price, very competitive at their price point. However It is the refinements in the IT04 that makes them special combined with that wide sound stage add one of the best balancing I have heard on any earphone and you get what clearly separates the IT04 from an otherwise good for the price performing FH5.
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